The 5th class boys from St. Brendan’s P.S. participated in a class Knitting Project. The aim of this project was to knit an Irish Rugbu Scarf. The project was a huge success due to the involvement of parents, grandparents, class teacher Ms. Tooher and the enthusiasm of the boys. Well done to all involved.
Christmas is always a wonderful time in St Brendan’s and there is a great atmosphere in the school. As Christmas approached we had our Advent Ceremonies. Our wonderful Crib was visited by all classes and the Jesse Tree stands as a reminder of what Christmas is about. Christmas trees can be seen throughout the school with beautiful art work decorating both inside the classrooms and in the main display areas. Hallelujah Concert, Christmas Plays ,Santa Letters, Christmas Logs, Cribs, Santa Stockings, Snowmen and Christmas pictures were all done to celebrate the festive season. We celebrated a Christmas Mass with the Mercy Convent School and the boys sang Christmas Carols in the Sandymount Nursing Unit. Santa’s arrival by motorbike caused great excitment in the school and he visited all classrooms with gifts. Many thanks to our Parents’ Association for this project. At our Christmas Assembly the boys sang songs and paid tribute to Mrs. De Forge for her long and dedicated service to the school. We would like to wish our whole school community a very Happy Christmas and New Year.
After giving more than thirty years of dedicated service Mrs. Rosemarie McManus retired from the staff of St. Brendan’s. She will be remembered for her teaching skills especially in the field of Special Education, her kindness and generosity of spirit, her friendly nature, her leadership qualities, her ability to be all things to all people and above all as a friend to all in St Brendan’s. At our Start of Year Mass Rosemarie was presented with a painting sketched by Darrell Lally on behalf of all the pupils. The Parents’ Association also made a presentation to her on the day and the staff and Board of Management made presentations at a function in the County Arms. We wish Rosemarie well in her future venture and hope she will visit St. Brendan’s on a regular basis. As a parting gesture Rosemarie donated a large cup/trophy (The McManus Cup) to the school to be given to students who show exceptional determination/effort/dedication/ and Rosemarie presented this award to Connor Saxby who was the recipiant for 2011.
Our Start of Year School Mass is always a great occasion and creates a wonderful atmosphere in the school. This year our theme was “Flowers”. There was wonderful art work done in all the classrooms and the gym was adorned with a vast array of floral designs. The ceremony was presided over by Fr. Cahir and parents, teachers and pupils all contributed to the mass by singing hymns, playing instruments, doing the readings and saying the prayers. This year’s ceremony was made even more special as it marked the retirement of Mrs. Rosemarie McManus who had given more than thirty years service to the school. Mrs. McManus was presented with a beautiful Painting sketched by Daryll Lally on behalf of all the pupils. A presentation was also made by our Parents’ Association in honour of the tremendous service Rosemarie had given to the school.
Thanks again to all our parents who continually give of their time and effort in preparing and distributing the fruit to all the classrooms. This activity ensures a healthy snack for the pupils every day and the boys look forward to getting their Fruit Break.
Our Sports Day was a resounding success again this year. It was divided into a junior section and a senior section. The mixed ability teams involved pupils from different classes and the various activities were organised on a circuit basis. There were some new activities this year involning bales of hay and cycling with water. Special awards were given for most helpful pupil, most encouraging pupil etc. After the circuit activities the various classes held their own novelty races. The Br. Finian Cup was won this year by Niall Hehir. A special word of thanks to Mrs. Lonergan for all the organising and to Michael Hansbury for all his work in setting up the various stations.
Our Parent’s Association First Ever Golf Classic was an outstanding success raising a staggering €4,530 for St Brendan’s P.S.. The sun beamed down on Friday 3rd of June as 23 teams played in the Classic Competition. Congratulations to the overall winners The Nolans ( Ollie, Milie, Daryl and Brian) and well done also to all the other teams who supported the school in this sporting event. Thanks to all the sponsors and especially our Parent’s Association who did all the organising of the event. Special thanks to Kevin McNamara for all his work in the lead up to the event and particularly for his work on the day itself. Thanks to Birr Golf Club for the use of their magnificient facilities.
Our Parents’ Association ran their Cake Sale in conjunction with our Spors Day. The sale was a great success with the event being well supported by both people bringing and people buying lots of cakes, buns, tarts and there was lots to choose from with the vast array of food on display. Stocks sold out very quickly and there was also a raffle on the day. The sale raised a staggering €1,308.37 and well done to all the people involved in organising the event and to all the parents/guardians who supported the event.
On Friday the 27th of May we held our first ever music Day. The day was an acknowledgement of the tremendous work being done by our Parents’ Association in supporting music in the school. It was also an opportunity for our pupils to demonstrate their musical skills, singing talents and performing expertise. The large turnout of parents were treated to singing, tinwhistle playing and a vast variety of tunes. Guest artists included Bernadette Spain, members of the teaching staff and we were delighted to see Mr. O Connor back with past pupils all performing on the day. Great credit is due to Miss. Majella Killeen for raising the standards of music in the school and we hope that initiatives like this will inspire and encourage our pupils to develop a love of music and inspire them to develop their musical talents.
Our Fruit Scheme continues to be a great success. It ensures that all pupils in the school have access to a fruit on a daily basis. Thanks to Margaret and Emily who organise the scheme and to all the wonderful parents who give of their time and effort in running the scheme.